By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ZWOLLE, La. (LBM) – Jerry Penfield traveled around the world as a member of the U.S. Air Force, but he said that even that thrilling part of his life’s journey paled in comparison to the great adventure he has experienced as a minister for the past 44 years.
“I have enjoying seeing people grow in their spiritual walk,” Penfield told the Baptist Message. “It’s so exciting to see people come to Christ and then begin their walk on the path to a great rest of their life with God.”
In 2021, Penfield was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Bi-vocational Pastor of the Year for his dedication to ministry.
Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Penfield spent his childhood traveling with his family to Alabama, Alaska and Japan (his father, Ray, served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a member of the Air Force). While the family was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, an 11-year-old Penfield attended a revival service at Court Street Baptist Church and gave his heart to Christ.
“I somehow got separated from the rest of my family one night during the service and remember the Holy Spirit speaking to me that night,” Pen[1]field said. “That evening changed the course of my life forever and I’m grateful God met me that day.”
Several years later, Penfield was called to the ministry, but he said he felt inadequate to serve with a congregation. Instead, he chose to attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches (1966-1970), serve as a member of the Air Force in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and Altos, Oklahoma, during the Vietnam War era (1970- 1974) and become a counselor with the Coordinating and Development Council of Northwest Louisiana, serving out of the agency’s office near Natchitoches (1974-1978).
Still, the Holy Spirit continued to remind him of that call to ministry, he shared, and in 1978 he enrolled with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Upon graduation, his first pastorate was with Old Saline Baptist Church, Castor (1980-1981).
He later was education and youth minister with Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe (1981-1984), minister of education with Oakwood Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas (1984-1991), pastor of First Baptist Church, Zwolle (1991-2006 and 2013-2018), and pastor of First Baptist Church, Leesville (2006-2013).
Though he no longer serves in full-time ministry, Penfield (who in 2004 received a D.Min. from Louisiana Baptist University, Shreveport) remains active as Sunday school director with FBC Zwolle and supply preacher at nearby churches.
Looking back on his more than four decades of ministry, Penfield said he is grateful for the opportunity to have led multiple mission trips and baptized one of his three children and five of his seven grandchildren.
“It’s been a thrill to lead my grandchildren and children to the Lord,” he said. “It’s a real special memory that we share.”
For those pastors who are just starting in ministry, Penfield recommends they preach the Word, love other people and promote Sunday school, which he said fuels church growth.
“Love covers a multitude of sins,” he said. “That makes up for many things, including things I am deficient in. Even if you’re wrong at times, people will support you if they know you love them.”
